Benefit helps fight spinal cord injuries

More than 270 supporters helped the nonprofit Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation raise $40,000 for research and treatment for paralysis and spinal cord injuries at the recent Light at the End of the Tunnel benefit at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.

The proceeds will be used to fund research and support programs for patients and family caregivers, said Alan T. Brown, who heads up the foundation's local efforts.

"We believe in supporting today's care and tomorrow's cure," he said.

Among the local beneficiaries of the foundation's fundraising are the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the Shake A Leg Foundation.

The group, founded after the late actor Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in 1995, funds research and treatment programs aimed at improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.

The second annual event, staged at the complex's Passion Nightclub, featured food, drinks, a raffle and an appearance by the Sugarhill Gang.

About 5.6 million Americans live with paralysis, and more than 1.2 million of those cases are due to spinal cord injuries, said Brown, who was paralyzed 25 years ago.

"It's a lonely and very expensive condition that tears families apart," he said.

Amy Wax learned of the group after she was injured in an auto accident four years ago and was confined to a wheelchair for six months. Although she has since largely recovered, she credits Brown for helping her get to appointments with her physical therapist.

"They were instrumental in my recovery," Wax said. "I've lived it. I became totally dependent on others at a time when I was raising small children, and I got a lot of support from Alan Brown and the foundation.

Adriene Fern discovered the group when her then-husband was badly injured in an auto accident.

"They were very helpful in giving me support as a caregiver, and I don't know of a lot of groups that provide that kind of support," said Fern, who because of the experience received training to become a peer mentor and provides support to family members and caregivers.

Miami Beach resident Sabrina Cohen, who was paralyzed in an auto accident 21 years ago, also became a peer counselor to help others living with paralysis. She credits the foundation for their advocacy efforts.

"Anyone could suffer an injury like I did, when your whole life is changed in an instant," Cohen said. "The foundation brought me into a network where I can be effective and supportive."